BOMBERS IN FUNK?; RATS KEPT IT CLOSE

The Soju Bombers started slow and looked like in funk given that they were playing vs the undermanned Gym Rats – which played with just 4 players last weekend.

The new look Soju Bombers basically lose their last season’s standouts in the draft and started with a new team. Young stud Jacob Liwanag turned up in his debut with 19 points. Meanwhile, Gerard Itao, who provided no quarter to his former team, finished with 22 points after having a slow first half while trying to find his range.Cyrel Legaspi and Gabe Gaw did a great job anchoring the team as they slowly broke away in the second half. Veterans Paolo Olea, Ahwin Adricula, and Joel Recinto help the Soju Bombers with solid minutes and contribution in both sides of the court.

The Gym Rats only played 4 players this week as their players are currently playing in Abilene, TX. In spite of this, they did a decent job keeping the Bombers at bay 75% of the game until fatigue kicked in. Rainier De Joya returned to the league after being out the past 3 seasons with a solid outing – 15 points, 4 rebounds. Meanwhile, Victor was a tireless worker with 12 points and 4 rebounds in the game. Newcomer Mark Yu was able to finish with 9 points in his debut. JA Aloy was doing his own thing and trying to slow the game down.

Maybe it is just a minor glitch in the matrix for the Bombers and we will see them slowly get in the flow as the season goes. The Gym Rats will soon be in full force when they come back next week.

 

track hawks ran over team tigas

The Track Hawks surprised us early in this season after basically revamping their roster and went with the young gun in their Week 1 victory over last season’s runner up, Team Tigas formerly known as Sini Gang. The game was on a roller coaster with the Hawks have an early lead and held on it most of the game until CJ Pineda decided to revive his team from life support. It did not go as planned as Kean Oham hit a layup with a foul with 1 second left to go.

The Hawks came out blazing early by employing a fast paced run-gun game over the Tigas team. Anchored by CJ Luna )17 points) and Kean Oham (18 points, 5 rebounds), the Hawks were on a hot streak early. Rodje Villa and James Griffith played big and were keeping the Tigas bigs from bullying them inside. After a stellar debut last season, Aden Oham is trying to find his rhythm with his new team and will soon be a big contributor for the Hawks. Ads Acuna did not find his range early but still was able to hang on to the speedy guards of Tigas and keeping them at bay. Dave Go also had a solid outing battling vs Andrei Malacapay.

Team Tigas, on paper, looks very much like a contender. Flanked by Aaron Cua, Michael Humphrey, and CJ Pineda, they were able to execute a coup in the draft when they snag San Diego newcomer Kurt Malana who finished with 5 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Andrei Malacapay was also solid on the boards and was able to dish out a couple of dimes. Paul Echaore also returned to DUB after a couple of seasons and had a solid outing with 3 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists.

 

 

ride or die with the chilis; swoosh bros all business

The Swoosh Bros saw, came, and conquered The Big Chilis in their 62-54 victory in last Saturday’s matchup led by JR Sunga’s 19 points.

The Swoosh Bros were trying to get a feel of the game as one of their pillars, James Bandolon, took the season off due to work assignment. However, they did not miss him much as veteran Lito Matildo came in the game with guns blazing like Luka Doncic, only more moreno, and have a better karaoke voice. Newcomer Ashten Purcella also had a very solid outing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assists and 2 steals. Rodfil Camacho was solid on the paint and kept the Swoosh Bros running after each rebound. Steven Nicolas and Neil Bagalso did an amazing job controlling the pace of the game while Roy Lor provided support down low along with a couple of dimes.

Meanwhile, The Big Chili were still in a good spot. Friendship matters to these guys. Bombi Toves led the team with 19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steals, and 1 block shot. Mitchell Salas, Gerard Nicasio and GJ Eva kept the pressure with their run-and-gun attack. Roman Blas, Oliver Poblete, and Arvin Dela Cruz help kept the Swoosh Bros from breaking the game wide open. Can they bounch back in Week 2? We will see.

ruff ryders left no trace of hustlers

The Ruff Ryders basically run over the Hustlers in a highway and left no trace in their 72-50 victory last weekend.

The Ruff Ryders, touted as the heavy favorites this season, are as stacked as an iHop pancake. Juan Gutierrez led the team with 29 points, 13 rebounds,. 3 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks in an impressive performance. Ronnie Tallud had 19 points and 7 assists (table officials kept on getting reminded to record the assists). Robin Tallud, Frankie Mesa, Chris B, and Richard Osay provided a solid performance as well as newcomer Rowell Camargo. Conrad Wolfe also showed some bounce and looks like he is playing 20 years younger as he played toe to toe to the younger Hustlers.

Meanwhile, Cris Dapon was hounded by the Ryders the whole game and not giving him a clean look in order to make a play. There was a defender in front of him, thus, leaving him unable to get in gear and dish out assists. Aldrin Acuna, Jordan Rey, and Raymund Escarlan led the team in scoring with 10 points, 11 points, and 11points respectively. Newcomer Claro Sumagui also had a solid outing and playing pesky defense vs the Ryders guards. Jan Quiocho showed off his shooting prowess last weekend and finish with 3 treys!

Where will the Hustlers find their scoring? Can anyone really stop the Ryders?